We chose to become transfer agents because we believe shareholder services are the foundation of investor confidence. After years of watching large corporations treat shareholders like account numbers, we knew there had to be a better way. Sterling Valley was born from our conviction that every stock transfer, every dividend payment, and every shareholder interaction should reflect the care and precision that builds lasting trust between companies and their investors.
We understand that the transfer agent market is fundamentally about relationships, where companies entrust us with their most valuable asset—their shareholder connections—and expect nothing less than flawless execution.
We help build people’s dreams by safeguarding the shareholder relationships that represent people’s retirement plans, children’s education funds, and future security—treating every account as someone’s pathway to their goals.
We believe success comes from working hard every single day—meticulously managing every transfer, perfecting every process, and treating each client relationship as if our reputation depends on it, because it does.
Our majority family ownership provides the stability and continuity that public companies simply cannot match. While corporate-owned transfer agents face constant restructuring and leadership changes, our family commitment ensures consistent service, familiar faces, and the reliability that comes from generational dedication to excellence.
A stock transfer agent is a company that maintains records of your shareholders, processes stock transfers, distributes dividends, and handles various shareholder services. If you’re a public company or planning to go public, you’re legally required to have a registered transfer agent to manage these critical functions and ensure SEC compliance.
The typical transfer process takes 30-60 days, depending on the complexity of your shareholder base and records. At Sterling Valley, we manage the entire transition process, working closely with your current agent to ensure a seamless transfer with zero disruption to your shareholders or corporate actions.
Transfer agent fees vary based on your shareholder count, transaction volume, and required services. Our pricing is transparent and competitive, typically including base annual fees, per-shareholder charges, and transaction-based costs. We provide detailed quotes with no hidden fees so you can budget accurately.
We employ bank-level security protocols including encrypted data storage, secure transmission channels, multi-factor authentication, and regular security audits. Our systems are SOC 2 compliant, and we maintain comprehensive cybersecurity insurance to protect your sensitive shareholder information.
Yes, we have extensive experience managing international shareholders, including foreign currency dividend payments, tax withholding compliance, and cross-border regulatory requirements. Our global payment capabilities ensure your international investors receive the same exceptional service as domestic shareholders.
We manage all aspects of corporate actions, from initial planning through final execution. This includes shareholder notifications, record date management, fractional share handling, tax reporting, and detailed reconciliation. Our experienced team ensures accuracy and compliance throughout the entire process.
Shareholders can access their account information 24/7 through our secure online portal or by contacting our dedicated support team during business hours. We process most transfer requests within 1-3 business days and provide real-time status updates throughout the process.
Unlike large corporations where you’re just an account number, Sterling Valley provides personalized service with direct access to senior professionals who know your business. Our boutique size allows for customized solutions, faster response times, and the flexibility to adapt our services to your specific needs while maintaining the same regulatory expertise as larger firms.
